NEW HOME BOUNCE?

Surprise package Tru-Juice could reclaim the lead in the Legend Jamaica Premier League (LJPL) standings when they face champions Portmore United in their St Catherine derby at Ferdi Neita Park at 3 p.m. today.

Portmore also have plenty to play for, with a victory potentially lifting them into the top six for the first time this season.

Tru-Juice sit second on 17 points, one behind leaders Waterhouse, who are scheduled to play on Monday.

Portmore are seventh on 10 points, one behind Mount Pleasant and two adrift of Tivoli Gardens.

With Mount Pleasant and Tivoli also in action today, Portmore have a golden opportunity to move into a playoff position with all three points.

Despite being unbeaten in their last five matches, Portmore have managed just one victory during that stretch.

While they have proven difficult to beat, the team continues to feel the absence of veteran marksman Cory Burke, who remains sidelined through injury.

Tru-Juice, meanwhile, enter the contest on the back of three consecutive victories and are unbeaten in four matches. They have scored 10 goals in those three wins, although they have conceded nine, giving them a slight edge heading into today’s encounter.

Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant will make their debut at the Mount Pleasant Football Academy when they host Tivoli Gardens.

The Concacaf Caribbean Cup finalists have found some consistency after a sluggish start to the campaign, recording three wins and two draws in their last five matches.

They sit sixth on 11 points and know that a victory over Tivoli would strengthen their position in the standings.

However, this will be their third match in seven days, and head coach Theodore Whitmore is mindful of managing his players’ workload.

“We play back-to-back games. We play Thursday and we play Sunday again. So how we manage the guys is very important. A lot of rotation will be needed, but a short turnaround to get ready,” he stated.

Of the teams currently in the top six, Tivoli have the least potent attack, particularly following the departure of talisman Nickalia Fuller to Mount Pleasant.

However, the Andrew Price-coached outfit are industrious and resilient and rarely make life easy for their opponents over 90 minutes. Mount Pleasant will therefore have to earn any positive result, though the prospect of playing at their new home for the first time should provide additional motivation.

Cavalier recently slipped out of the top six after suffering three defeats in their last four matches. The reigning champions are now ninth on 10 points but will be seeking just a second victory in six outings.

Despite the dip in form, assistant coach David Laylor remains confident that better days lie ahead.

“We have to be more effective in front of the goal. But what I saw from the players wasn’t a bad look. I think as the season progresses, we will get better. The youngsters will learn and we will bounce back and we will get there,” he said.

At Jarrett Park, Montego Bay United will be seeking their first win in four matches when they take on Molynes United, who will be under the guidance of new coach Anthony Patrick.

MoBay are fourth on 15 points, while Molynes are 12th on six points and have lost four of their last five matches.

Treasure Beach will also operate under new leadership when they host Dunbeholden at STETHS.

Head coach Kemar Ricketts resigned earlier this week, but the club has yet to announce a replacement. As a result, assistant coach and former head coach Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn is expected to take charge of the team this afternoon.

Dunbeholden are 11th on six points, while Treasure Beach sit 13th on five. Although Dunbeholden have shown improvement in recent weeks, Treasure Beach are traditionally strong at home, meaning fine margins could determine the outcome.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Portmore vs Tru-Juice at Ferdi Neita Park

MoBay vs Molynes at Jarrett Park

Mount Pleasant vs Tivoli at Mount Pleasant Football Academy

Treasure Beach vs Dunbeholden at STETHS

Humble Lion vs Cavalier at Effortville Community Centre

All games begin at 3 p.m.

Tomorrow’s Games

Chapelton vs Racing at Anthony Spaulding Complex at 5:05 p.m.

Arnett vs Waterhouse at Anthony Spaulding Complex at 8 p.m.